Future Trends Series - GR:EEN Project
Title of the report
The Shape of Jobs to Come – Possible New Careers Emerging from Advances in Science and
Technology (2010 – 2030)
Area
Science and Technology
Reporter
Fast Future
Type of the Reporter
Private Organisation
Periodically updated?
No
First issued year
/
Latest update
2010
Official website
www.fastfuture.com
Language available
English
Short summary
The Fast Future’s report highlights examples of the kinds of jobs, careers and professions that could
result from advances in science and technology (S&T) in the period from 2010 to 2030. This list of ‘jobs
of the future’ encompasses both ‘jobs that don’t yet exist’ and current jobs that could become more
prominent over the next two decades as a result of these developments.
In order to help identify and understand the jobs of the future, the study has conducted a brief S&T
“horizon scanning” highlighting a sample of key trends and advances in science and technology that
could occur over the next twenty years and has developed a timeline indicating the timeframes in which
these developments are likely to come to maturity.
Moreover, the report also includes more detailed profiles of a representative sample of twenty jobs –
explaining what ‘a day in the life’ of these professions would be – that served as a basis of an online
survey undertaken by a “global audience of future thinkers”: through this method of evaluation, the
report has managed to assess the value, impact and attractiveness of these twenty jobs.
Key trends
• A new era for S&T. “We are entering an exciting new era for science and technology, driven by
some factors that have combined to raise the prominence, attention, respect and funding being given to
science and technology”. The key trends that will transform this era in one of opportunity are a greater
understanding of and reliance on the role and impact of S&T in our daily lives, a rising public trust in
science and scientists, advances in specialised fields of technology that have opened up new possibilities,
rapid developments in multiple disciplines, the importance given to innovation in the world’s largest and
respected companies, a recognition of the macro-economic importance of science based industries, the
importance of S&T in tackling the most pressing planetary challenges and the trend of investing – also
in developing countries – in scientific and technological innovation.
• New markets, new jobs, new career opportunities. With growing impact, visibility, trust and
funding also comes a major growth in career opportunities. These will arise both in existing disciplines
and in new ones that will emerge as a result of the many advances taking place and the new fields being
created.
• The shape of jobs to come. The twenty jobs that are likely to result from advances in science and
technology – and the respective years of possible emergence as a profession –are: “a) Body part maker,
2020; b) Nano-medic, 2025; c) Farmer of genetically engineered crops and livestock, 2015; d) Old age
wellness manager/Consultant specialist, 2010; e) Memory augmentation surgeon, 2030; f) ‘New science’
ethicist, 2015; g) Space pilots, architects and tour guides, 2015; h) Vertical farmers, 2015; i) Climate
change reversal specialist, 2015; j) Quarantine enforcer, 2030; k) Weather modification police, 2020;
l) Virtual lawyer, 2010; m) Avatar manager/Devotees-virtual teachers, 2015; n) Alternative vehicle
developers, 2010; o) Narrowcasters, 2010; p) Waste data handler, 2010; q) Virtual clutter organiser,
2015; r) Time broker/Time bank trader, 2010; s) Social ‘networking’ worker, 2015; t) Personal branders,
2010”.
• Assessment of the ‘jobs of the future’. The findings of the online survey show how these roles can
individually and in various combinations make a significant contribution to tackling the care challenges
of an ageing society, feeding a growing population and maintaining and enhancing our health. They
are also seen as essential to giving us greener mobility solutions and reducing the impact of dangerous
climate change. Finally they are expected to help us survive and thrive in the cyber-world, whether
through legal protection, counselling or management of our virtual data and image. As a result, the
survey suggests that many of these roles will be popular, well-rewarded and aspirational.
Suggestions
“Children and young people in particular are encouraged to research forthcoming S&T developments,
imagine the kinds of jobs they will create and explore how these developments could help tackle a
number of the grand challenges facing our planet.”
Methodology
Research from secondary sources; modelling; survey
Reference to other trends reports? If yes, which reports?
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